No romance: Tim, pictured with Terri and her children Robert and Bindi, has denied the rumours saying the idea is 'so ludicrous it's laughable'

Not an option: Being a father figure is an idea 'not even worth considering' according to Tim, who sees 16-year-old Bindi and 10-year-old Robert as simply friends

More here: The Tim and Terri romance rumours were published in the latest issue of New Idea magazine

'I see her as someone who I admire and sort of an inspiration in the industry and what she does for wildlife conservation'.

During his time as a Wildlife Warrior for Australia Zoo, Tim has spent time with Terri's children Bindi, 16, and Robert, 10.

But being a father figure is an idea 'not even worth considering' according to Tim, who sees them simply as friends.

'I love Bindi and Robert as mates,' he said.

'They're really young people who are having a positive influence on the world so I just think of them as friends.'

Earlier this year, Tim spoke to Daily Mail Australia about his respect for television sensation Steve who passed away in 2006 at age 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming a documentary.

'Steve was my idol,' the reality winner said in August, 'I admire the passion he had for wildlife.'

'He was larger than life and a true blue guy who dedicated his life to wildlife. The whole world stopped when he passed away.'

Having been interested in wildlife and conservation since he was a child, Tim says the opportunity to work closely with the Irwin family and help them continue Steve's legacy is an absolute 'dream come true'.

Idol: Tim told Daily Mail Australia earlier this year he has great respect for late Steve who passed away at the age of 44 in 2006